Workshops

Palazzo Venezia, the historic residence of Popes and ambassadors, is also a precious artistic and architectural record of the Renaissance. Visits explore the decorations and frescoes in the sumptuous  Sala del Mappamondo, the monumental Sala Regia and Giorgio Vasari’s stunning ceiling in the Sala Altoviti, illustrating a universe of knowledge, materials and techniques applied by the workshops of the Renaissance artists. After directly observing decorative forms and ornamental details, in the workshop the students will experiment with trompe l’oeil and spolvero techniques plus the working of stucco with plaster.

Palazzo Venezia Palazzo Venezia Ticket Office, entrance at Via del Plebiscito 118

This visit is centred on the Palazzo Venezia collections: from works by Giorgione and Vasari to Bernini’s terracotta studies, from old apothecary majolica jars to small 18th-century bronzes, Oriental porcelain and the armoury of Prince Odescalchi. The tour follows in the footsteps of Athanasius Kircher and his scattered cabinet of curiosities, revisiting the exotic tastes of modern collectors and narrating the work and persona of Federico Hermanin, the first director of the Museo di Palazzo Venezia. At the workshop, students will design themed collections in which to “orchestrate” artistic works, objects and materials.

Palazzo Venezia Palazzo Venezia Ticket Office, entrance at Via del Plebiscito 118